Press briefing: morning 6 January 2014
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on flooding, spending, World War One (WW1) and Scotland.
Flooding
Asked about funding for flood defences, the PMS said the government had increased spending on flood defences from 2010 and frontline services concerned with flooding would continue to be prioritised and protected. It was right to continue investment to the end of the decade. Asked whether lessons would be taken from the recent storms, the PMS said that it was always important to look at what lessons could be learned.
Spending
Asked about the Chancellor’s speech on welfare spending, the PMS said that government departmental settlements had been set out to 2015 to 2016 and anything beyond that was for future decisions.
WW1
Asked for the Prime Minister’s (PM’s) view on WW1 commemoration, the PMS said the PM thought it was an opportunity to commemorate the fallen, learn about the impact the conflict had on the country and reflect on the achievement of peace in Europe after the world wars. That could be done while being clear about why Britain had been right to join the war in response to aggression.
Scotland
Asked how the PM would play his part in the Scottish independence debate, the PMS said he would continue to make the case for the UK.